Over time, the structures of some buildings change on their own. Some non-load-bearing elements become load-bearing and need to be reinforced. This was the case for our client in Villeneuve-Loubet, who asked us to reinforce a timber floor beam, which had become load-bearing, with a steel structure. We also knocked down partitions on both levels of the apartment, to reorganise the space and make the work possible.
Site specifics and the preliminary study
Reinforcing a beam that has become load-bearing is a common issue on timber floors, as on roof structures. The work requires a range of technical skills that we have at OMPT.
As the project was in a co-owned building, our client was required to have a feasibility study carried out by a structural engineering office (BET).
Partition demolition and floor reinforcement by twin-beam clamping (moisage)
We first protected the whole work area with plastic sheeting and particleboard panels. Then we installed props to take the load of the floor while the work was carried out. We then demolished masonry partitions above and below the floor to be reinforced.
The reinforcement principle chosen for the floor was twin-beam clamping (moisage). We installed two 6.20 m long UPN 120 beams, one on each side of the timber beam that had become load-bearing.
We created 4 non-shrink mortar padstones, one at each end of this double steel beam. They provide solid bearing on the walls, ensuring good load distribution. We also sealed the ends of the beams into the wall with mortar.
Finally, we clamped them together (moisage), that is, tied them through the timber beam they surround with a series of bolted threaded rods.
We finished by applying anti-rust paint to the whole structure. Then we restored the premises by removing the protective coverings and carrying out a complete clean.
